What to know
- Kickballer drops from the boss Sludgemaw in Fadefields, Watershed Gate, Idolator's Noose.
- Sludgemaw is available only after completing the "Null and Void" and "All Charged Up" side quests.
- You can repeatedly farm Sludgemaw for Kickballer using Moxxi's Big Encore machine.
- The shotgun features bouncing, high-damage projectiles with several elemental variants and special ricochet effects.
Farming for top-tier loot is core to the Borderlands 4 experience. The Kickballer shotgun stands out thanks to its devastating elemental payload and its synergy with ricochet-focused builds.
Kickballer requirements: Side quests and Sludgemaw boss
To get Kickballer, head to Fadefields—specifically Watershed Gate in Idolator's Noose. Sludgemaw is the dedicated boss that drops this weapon. However, you must first complete two side quests: "Null and Void" and "All Charged Up." The latter quest introduces Sludgemaw as the boss fight. Both quests unlock after you've progressed past the "Rush the Gate" main quest.
BL4 Kickballer Shotgun: Location and Farming
Step 1
Finish the "Rush the Gate" main quest to unlock the prerequisite side quest.
Step 2
Complete the "Null and Void" side mission to gain access to "All Charged Up."

Step 3
Proceed to "All Charged Up" in Idolator's Noose and defeat Sludgemaw at the end.

Step 4
Once Sludgemaw is defeated for the first time, unlock farming by using Moxxi's Big Encore machine, which allows repeated boss attempts.

Step 5
Equip a fire-element weapon for the quickest results, as Sludgemaw has only a health bar and often burrows.

Kickballer shotgun stats and unique traits
Kickballer is a Maliwan-manufactured, legendary-tier shotgun. It fires a large, curving projectile that bounces off surfaces, and each bounce triggers an explosion in the weapon's elemental type. These projectiles can ricochet and create chain reactions, especially with the Jakobs-licensed accessory attached—sometimes to unintended, game-breaking effects.

Kickballer specs and unique traits
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Maliwan |
| Weapon type | Shotgun |
| Rarity | Legendary |
| Unique effect | “Force Bunt” – fires bouncing projectiles that ricochet off surfaces and explode with splash damage |
| Elemental types | Any element except kinetic |
| Special accessory | Jakobs-licensed version with near-infinite ricochets |
| Example stats (Level 50) | Damage ~4,843; Accuracy ~77%; Reload time ~2.2s; Fire rate ~0.9s; Magazine size ~8 |
Tips for using the Kickballer
- Take advantage of ricochet mechanics to clear out clustered enemies in tight spaces.
- Pair it with gear that boosts splash damage or elemental effects.
- Watch out for self-damage when using it in enclosed areas.
- If you manage to find the Jakobs accessory version, experiment with ricochet chains for massive crowd control.
Kickballer’s role and farming tips
Kickballer is especially potent in builds that benefit from splash damage, ricochet, and chain reactions. Some players have reported obtaining versions with massive crit potential and ricochet synergy, allowing for boss-melting and AOE dominance.
If farming for the best roll, focus on elemental variants and track ones with the Jakobs licensed accessory for the strongest results.
Update : Kickballer is pretty nuts
by u/Scatter865 in Borderlands4
Kickballer gameplay
Why Kickballer is worth the grind
Kickballer shines as a legendary shotgun that combines strong AOE, elemental versatility, and unique projectile behavior, making it a top-tier pick for farming and endgame builds. With a little patience, you can secure a roll that becomes the core of devastating loadouts.
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